School inspections on hold while mental health training takes place

Ofsted school inspectors will receive some training and support from Mental Health First Aid England, who will then lead a rolling programme of further mental health awareness training for all inspectors, the watchdog has said.

The announcement came from Ofsted’s new boss, Sir Martyn Oliver, who took over the job as chief inspector on 1 January.

Commenting, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “This announcement shows that the new Chief Inspector has a greater understanding of the problem. Allowing time for training is a positive signal.”

Ofsted inspectors need to be more 'empathetic' to the challenges teachers face, said its new chief executive. Photograph: iStock

Ruth Perry took her own life in January last year after being told the school where she was headteacher was being downgraded from outstanding to inadequate.

Her family believes stress associated with the inspection was a major factor in her death.

On his appointment and the challenges ahead, Sir Martyn Oliver commented: “Over the last year, since the tragic death of Ruth Perry, our inspections have come under great scrutiny.

“I’m determined that we learn from this to improve the way we work and respond fully to the coroner’s inquest, taking tangible actions to address the concerns raised. A lot has been done already, but a lot more can be done now – starting with a robust programme of mental health awareness training for all our inspectors. That begins next week and will become an integral part of how we train and develop our people.”

In an interview with the BBC News he added that Ofsted had to ensure high standards but admitted it could also be "far more empathetic".

He said: "Ultimately we have to be about high standards and say to parents 'these are the standards that are being provided'. But I think we can do that in a way that is far more empathetic."